OANDA Japan, the local Japanese brand of the global trading giant, has signed a sports sponsorship deal with the rugby team Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath. The deal will take effect on 1 November 2025.Join IG, CMC, and Robinhood in London’s leading trading industry event!Strengthening the Brand with SportsThe OANDA Securities logo will also be displayed on the collar of the official match jerseys worn by the team’s players in Japan Rugby League One 2025–26, which is scheduled to begin in December 2025.“Through this partnership, we aim to enhance the value of the brand further, strongly support Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath in realising their vision of being a ‘strong, beloved team,’ and bring vitality to society through the power of sports,” OANDA Japan’s announcement today (Tuesday) noted.Growing Popularity of Rugby in JapanAlthough baseball is Japan’s most popular sport, with 19.5 per cent nationwide followers, followed by football at 11.2 per cent, the popularity of rugby in the country is also growing. Rugby’s visibility in Japan surged after the country hosted the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2019.Japan Rugby League One viewership has grown alongside record in-stadium attendance, with 2023–24 delivering over one million spectators across the season and a 56,486 crowd for the Division 1 final at Tokyo National Stadium. Domestic TV and streaming reach have expanded via DAZN and international carriage, including free streaming of the 2024 final outside Japan.Tokyo Sungoliath, which plays out of Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium with a capacity of over 27,000, also has a strong social media following. Its followers on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook are 42.5K and 23K, respectively.Despite the interest of many brokers in regional and niche sports, football remains dominant when it comes to brand building. OANDA earlier signed Polish football star Robert Lewandowski as a brand ambassador. The broker is also a sponsor of the US-based football club New York Red Bulls, putting its brand on the club’s jersey sleeves.However, OANDA Japan is not the only broker promoting its brand through rugby. eToro, CMC Markets, and IC Markets are other retail trading brokers that have ongoing or past deals with regional rugby teams. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

TP ICAP Group (LSE: TCAP) reported revenue of £1.78 billion for the nine months ending September, marking a 7% increase in constant currency terms as its core brokerage operations benefited from favorable trading conditions.TP ICAP Reports Revenue Growth on Strong Broker PerformanceThe company's Global Broking division led growth with a 10% revenue increase, while its data and analytics unit Parameta Solutions added 5%. The performance came despite a 3% decline in the Energy & Commodities segment, which has faced broker departures to rivals.For the third quarter alone, TP ICAP generated £560 million in revenue, up 3% year-over-year in constant currency. The growth rate slowed from earlier in the year as comparisons became tougher against what the company called a "record" period in 2024.The Global Broking unit maintained momentum from the first half, with third-quarter revenue climbing 7% as dealers across rates, foreign exchange, and credit products stayed active. The division "continued to capitalise on favourable market conditions across all asset classes," according to the company's statement.Liquidnet, TP ICAP's equity trading platform, saw revenue dip 2% in the quarter after posting 28% growth in the same period last year. The comparison highlighted how last year's surge in equity market activity created a high bar for this year's performance.Energy Unit Faces Hiring ChallengesThe Energy & Commodities division recorded a 7% revenue drop in the third quarter, matching what management had previously signaled to investors. The business has lost brokers to competitors, creating gaps in its coverage.TP ICAP said it has built a pipeline of potential hires to rebuild the unit's capabilities, though any revenue contribution from new staff won't materialize until next year. The energy markets remain competitive for experienced personnel who can generate trading commissions.The figures are consistent with the trend reported for the first half, when revenue reached £1.22 billion and adjusted net earnings totaled £130 million.Parameta Listing Decision Still Under ReviewThe board continues evaluating whether and when to pursue a minority public offering of Parameta Solutions in the United States. The data business, which sells pricing information and analytics to financial institutions, represents one of TP ICAP's faster-growing segments.Management has not set a timeline for the potential listing, saying only that it will assess "appropriate timing" while focusing on sustainable growth for the unit.Last month, TP ICAP’s data division introduced a real-time pricing service for over-the-counter oil markets, aiming to give traders and developers faster access to data that is typically dispersed across multiple brokers.The company said it remains comfortable with market forecasts for full-year adjusted earnings before interest and tax, though results depend on foreign exchange rates. About 60% of revenue and 40% of costs are denominated in US dollars, leaving earnings exposed to currency swings.TP ICAP plans to release full-year results on March 12, 2026. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Finance Magnates Intelligence has released the November 2025 Compliance Report, FREE to download, giving legal, risk, and ops teams a fast read on what changed, what’s next, and what to do now. Highlights include Dubai’s DFSA Connect rollout, which aims to cut licensing timelines by up to 33%What’s inside the FREE November Compliance ReportA change in Dubai that can cut license timelines. How much, and for whom?SEPA Instant: the rule that makes euro transfers hit in seconds. What must brokers and PSPs fix now? Fraud Watch: the warning trend regulators keep flagging. Which pattern grew this month? Marketing rules: the online promo update that could spread across regions. What’s the new baseline? Action lists: weekend liquidity, name checks, and real-time AML. Which teams own which tasks? ?DOWNLOAD THE REPORT TO FIND OUTWho reads the Compliance Report?Compliance leads & MLROs at brokers, fintechs, and crypto firmsGeneral Counsel / Legal advisors who brief the C-suiteRisk & Ops managers who turn rules into daily stepsPayments & Product owners who ship flows that must pass checksCEOs/COOs who want a fast, no-nonsense view of what changedWhy You Should Download ItThe Compliance Report is designed for C-level executives, compliance officers, and department heads seeking actionable insights. It distils complex regulatory changes into practical guidance, helping decision-makers stay ahead of enforcement risks while seizing market opportunities.Interest in this free report continues to grow, underscoring the value of timely, accurate compliance intelligence for firms in fintech, trading, and payments.➡️ Download your free copy of the November 2025 Compliance Report now and stay informed.About Finance Magnates Compliance ReportsOur monthly Compliance Reports are trusted by compliance teams, legal advisors, and financial executives worldwide. We focus on the updates that matter to your business and provide practical guidance on what to do next. This article was written by Finance Magnates Staff at www.financemagnates.com.

A former Deutsche Bank executive suing the German lender for €152 million has taken his case to European banking regulators, asking them to scrutinize the bank's oversight practices and its current leadership.Former Deutsche Bank Manager Escalates Legal Fight With Regulator AppealDario Schiraldi sent a letter to the European Central Bank (ECB) requesting what he calls a "supervisory review" of Deutsche Bank, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg News. The move adds another front to Schiraldi's legal battle against his former employer, which he says destroyed his career after he got caught up in an Italian banking scandal.The letter zeroes in on Christian Sewing, who now runs Deutsche Bank as CEO. Back in 2013, Sewing oversaw an internal audit examining repo transactions Deutsche Bank had done with Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena. Schiraldi and five other former Deutsche Bank employees say that review wasn't fair and unfairly blamed them for problems with the deals.Italian Acquittal Fuels Damage ClaimsSchiraldi worked as a senior manager in Deutsche Bank's asset and wealth management division when Italian prosecutors charged him and five colleagues in connection with Monte Paschi accounting issues. An Italian court convicted all six in 2019, but an appeals court in Milan threw out those convictions three years later, fully clearing them.Now all six are suing Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt. Schiraldi filed his case last year, claiming the bank's handling of the 2013 audit wrecked his professional reputation and career prospects.A Deutsche Bank spokesperson said the bank views these lawsuits as "entirely without merit" and plans to mount a strong defense. The ECB wouldn't comment on the letter.Dario Schiraldi, the former @DeutscheBank manager who is suing the lender for allegedly damaging his career, is urging Europe’s top bank watchdog to conduct a supervisory review of the firm to increase pressure -> https://t.co/lmznB4Ovkj @schamalz @kmatussek + Mark Schroers— Christoph Rauwald (@Rauwald) November 4, 2025Dual CEO Role QuestionedSchiraldi's lawyer raises concerns beyond the old audit. The letter questions whether Sewing should simultaneously hold the CEO position while also heading up legal and regulatory affairs at the bank. That setup violates basic separation of duties, the letter argues.Deutsche Bank pushed back on that characterization. The spokesperson said Sewing took on both roles temporarily after another board member left, calling it "ordinary course of business." The bank notified regulators about the arrangement, which follows governance standards, according to the spokesperson.The letter also takes aim at how Deutsche Bank reports its leverage exposure in financial statements, claiming the bank uses "aggressive netting" that makes its true leverage harder to see. Deutsche Bank says its netting practices match accounting standards and align with what other banks do.Schiraldi's appeal to the ECB doesn't guarantee any action. The regulator doesn't typically comment on individual complaints or confirm whether it's looking into specific matters. But the letter signals Schiraldi isn't limiting his fight to German courtrooms; he's trying to get regulators involved too. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

In today’s hyper-competitive crypto market, visibility is everything. For new projects, being listed on a centralized exchange is often the first major milestone toward building trust, attracting liquidity, and growing a loyal community. Yet not all listings deliver equal value. Choosing between an exchange that lists dozens of tokens each month and one that focuses on a limited number of carefully selected projects can significantly shape a token’s trajectory.Selective listings on exchanges like WhiteBIT or Coinbase, which prioritize quality over quantity, offer long-term strategic advantages compared to high-frequency listing platforms. Exclusivity, targeted marketing, and compliance-oriented audiences ensure that projects gain sustained visibility and engagement rather than being lost in the noise.Exclusivity vs. Mass ListingsExchanges that onboard 50+ projects monthly, such as Binance, MEXC, or Gate.io, certainly offer massive reach. However, their high listing frequency often dilutes the spotlight. With multiple new tokens competing for attention each week, individual projects face shorter hype cycles and a higher risk of being overlooked.By contrast, selective platforms with only a few listings each month create a sense of exclusivity. Every project gets dedicated visibility, stronger marketing push, and better positioning with the exchange’s user base. Exclusivity doesn’t just enhance awareness — it also communicates that the project has passed a higher bar of due diligence, reinforcing trust with potential investors.The Pitfalls of Low-Barrier ExchangesFor many projects, the temptation of low-barrier listings is hard to resist. Exchanges with minimal compliance checks, cheaper fees, and lower entry thresholds seem attractive for rapid market penetration. However, this “everywhere strategy” comes with major downsides:Minimal visibility per listingDozens of simultaneous launches divide audience attention.Diluted marketingProjects struggle to focus campaigns when juggling multiple exchange listings at once.Shorter lifespanTokens listed without robust engagement often see fast drops in volume, sometimes leading to early delistings.Ultimately, rushing into low-barrier exchanges can leave a project forgotten, rather than firmly established.Audience Targeting and Market ReachAnother overlooked factor is who the exchange attracts. Many emerging tokens prioritize Asian exchanges, which offer high liquidity but often overlap in audience. This leaves a critical gap: access to European investors. European audiences consistently show stronger long-term value for projects:Higher engagement rates across campaigns and community activations.Longer-term holding behavior, reducing volatility.Deeper participation in trading and lending programs.Regulation also plays a decisive role. With the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework in force, compliant exchanges report a 40% lower churn rate compared to non-compliant platforms. For projects, this translates to a more stable, retention-focused user base — a critical advantage in building sustainable growth.Marketing Advantages of Exclusive Listings: The WhiteBIT CaseExchanges that practice selective listings don’t just stop at due diligence. They also provide structured, ongoing marketing support that maximizes the impact of each listing. WhiteBIT’s listing process illustrates how exclusivity translates into practical advantages:Step-by-step marketing funnel: From pre-listing awareness campaigns to listing-day promotion and post-listing trading incentives.Community engagement: Leveraging the exchange’s existing European user base to grow active holders.KOL partnerships: Collaborating with crypto influencers to raise visibility and credibility.Trading activity campaigns: Boosting short-term volume while converting traders into long-term investors.Crypto lending programs: Offering additional utilities for holders, deepening loyalty and reducing sell pressure.This structured approach ensures that projects not only gain initial attention but also sustain engagement long after the listing day.Strategic TakeawaysThe contrast is clear:High-frequency exchanges = broad but diluted exposure, fast hype cycles, high competition.Selective exchanges = exclusivity, deeper engagement, targeted marketing, stronger compliance.For projects seeking long-term growth, visibility is not about being everywhere at once. It’s about being in the right place, with the right audience, under the right conditions.Quality Over QuantityToday listings are no longer just about access. They are about strategy. Projects that prioritize selective exchanges with exclusivity, structured marketing support, and access to compliant, long-term-focused audiences stand a far better chance of sustaining growth.For founders and project teams, the message is simple: choose quality over quantity. By aligning with exchanges like WhiteBIT that value exclusivity and community, projects can unlock not just short-term trading volume, but long-term credibility, loyal holders, and sustained market relevance. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Gemini Space Station (NASDAQ: GEMI), the crypto exchange run by billionaire twins Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, wants to jump into prediction markets, joining a growing crowd of financial firms trying to cash in on the booming business of betting on elections, sports and other real-world events.The company has filed with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to operate its own derivatives exchange and according to Bloomberg it wants to launch products quickly. Gemini officials have talked internally about using the exchange to offer prediction contracts, though the CFTC application remains under review months later.The exchange's timing faces hurdles. Getting CFTC approval for a new derivatives marketplace typically takes months or longer, and the recent government shutdown could push things back further. Other companies have sidestepped the wait by teaming up with platforms that already hold the necessary licenses. Robinhood, for instance, lets customers trade event contracts from Kalshi.News: Crypto firm Gemini Space Station $GEMI is planning to soon launch prediction contracts trading, an increasingly crowded field. With @olgakharif @antoniabmassa @nicola_m_white: pic.twitter.com/wPE4vPddCs— Lydia Beyoud (@ElleBeyoud) November 4, 2025Trading Volumes Surge Past $1 Billion WeeklyGemini would compete directly with Kalshi, which already operates as a CFTC-registered exchange, and Polymarket, which plans to reopen to U.S. customers after operating offshore. Both platforms have seen trading explode in recent weeks, with Kalshi hitting $1.2 billion in weekly volume between late October and early November, topping its previous record of just over $1 billion the week before. Polymarket has also crossed the billion-dollar weekly mark.Bigger players are circling too. Intercontinental Exchange, which owns the New York Stock Exchange, put $2 billion into Polymarket at a $9 billion valuation. CME Group and Coinbase Global have announced plans to offer event contracts. MetaMask, DraftKings and Sam Altman's World have all added prediction market features in recent months.Before going public in September, Gemini said in securities filings it planned to launch event contracts covering economic data, financial markets, politics and sports. The company raised $433 million in its IPO at a $4.4 billion valuation, but shares have dropped 40% since then. Gemini still loses money and handles only a small slice of U.S. crypto trading, according to its IPO documents. The company reports earnings for the first time as a public entity on November 10.Regulators Still Working Out the RulesA Needham analyst wrote recently that prediction markets present an appealing way for Gemini to diversify beyond crypto. But the regulatory picture remains murky. While the CFTC has let Kalshi expand into new markets, state gaming regulators who traditionally oversee sports betting have challenged the federal agency's authority in court.The legal fights haven't slowed the industry's momentum. Kalshi recently raised $300 million and now operates in 140 countries. Trading activity keeps climbing as more platforms launch and mainstream financial firms pile in, betting that Americans want a regulated way to wager on everything from election outcomes to economic reports. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Lightyear rolled out an automated investing feature that lets users schedule recurring contributions toward specific financial targets, responding to data showing most Europeans fail to follow through on their financial plans.Lightyear Adds Automated Feature as Europeans Struggle to Meet Financial GoalsThe platform's new tool allows investors to build portfolios of stocks and funds aligned with particular goals, then automate regular purchases into those holdings. Users can set custom allocations for each investment and establish recurring contributions on their preferred schedule."Plans support recurrently placing money in the stock market, helping easily create a habit out of investing – simple enough for everyone to get started and stick with for the long term," said Martin Sokk, CEO of Lightyear.The feature supports fractional purchases of European stocks and exchange-traded funds, which recently became available on the platform. This allows investors to divide smaller amounts across multiple holdings rather than needing enough cash to buy full shares.Follow-Through Rate Lags IntentionsA report from the European Financial Planning Association found that while 65% of respondents have long-term financial goals and 86% say financial health matters to them, only 15% of those with goals actively work toward them. One-third of survey participants rated their investing knowledge as low, and 29% said the same about pensions.The study, which gathered responses from more than 14,000 adults across 10 European countries between April and July of this year, pointed to confidence gaps as a barrier to action. Many respondents acknowledged understanding basic budgeting and saving concepts but struggled with investment products and retirement planning.Lightyear's internal survey of more than 2,000 customers showed similar patterns. Passive investing strategies dominated among users, with 60% citing that approach as their primary method. Most – 88% – said they invest toward set goals, and over one-third maintain a mix of short-, medium- and long-term objectives.Competition Grows for European RetailThe product launch comes as digital investment platforms compete for retail customers across Europe. Lightyear, founded by two former Wise employees in 2020, has raised $58 million from backers including Nordic Ninja, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Mosaic Ventures. Individual investors in the company include Richard Branson and Wise co-founder Taavet Hinrikus."Different financial goals require different approaches – in terms of instruments used to reach them, but also in how often and for how long you invest for them," Sokk said.Paul Murphy, a partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, added the European research highlighted demand for simpler options. 5"It's clear people want to be financially successful and secure their futures, but it's been made too difficult by expensive solutions which turn people to believe financial wellbeing is far out of their reach," he said.The Estonian Financial Supervision Authority regulates the company's European operations, while the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority oversees its British arm. Lightyear maintains offices in London and Tallinn.Back in July the fintech secured $23 million in Series B funding while reaching $1 billion in customer assets under management (AUM). This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

After months of record-breaking gains, Bitcoin’s rally has come to a halt. The world’s largest cryptocurrency slipped below $100,000 on Tuesday for the first time since June, as investors retreated from digital assets amid renewed uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s next policy move.Digital assets meet tradfi in London at the fmls25The decline marked a five-month low for Bitcoin, which fell 6.4% in the last 24 hours to around $99,705. The drop followed a broader downturn across the cryptocurrency sector, which has erased nearly $880 billion in total market capitalization over the past month, according to CoinMarketCap data.Bitcoin’s retreat mirrors a wider sell-off in digital assets. Over the past week, Ethereum has declined by 19.8%, XRP has dropped by 17%, BNB is down 17%, and Solana has lost 21%. Even Dogecoin, often a barometer for retail enthusiasm, has fallen more than 18%.Crypto Market Suffers Sharp PullbackFrom its record high of $126,182 on October 6, Bitcoin has now shed nearly 27% of its value over 29 trading days. Analysts attribute the correction to tightening liquidity conditions and cautious signals from the Fed as the primary catalysts.Keep reading: Bitcoin falls below the $100,000 level for the 1st time since June 23Bitcoin’s momentum has long been sensitive to shifts in monetary policy. During the pandemic, the token’s value surged as interest rates fell. Conversely, when the Fed tightened policy in 2018, Bitcoin crashed from $20,000 to $3,000.This pattern appears to be repeating. Last week, the central bank trimmed rates by a quarter-point, but Chair Jerome Powell hinted that another cut in December was not guaranteed. Fed Governor Lisa Cook echoed that uncertainty on Monday, saying she remained undecided about further easing.October Marks Bitcoin’s Worst Month in a DecadeAccording to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin’s 3.7% slide in October marked its weakest monthly performance since 2018. The broader crypto market capitalization fell from $4.32 trillion in early October to $3.3 trillion this week.Market observers note that investors are shifting capital toward safer assets such as gold and government bonds, anticipating that the Fed’s cautious stance could dampen risk appetite.Earlier this year, optimism surrounding pro-crypto legislation under the Trump administration fueled a rapid climb in digital asset prices. Bitcoin surged past $110,000 and $120,000 as major firms—including Trump Media and Technology Group—announced plans to hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets.The U.S. government’s own holdings, estimated between $15 billion and $20 billion, added to the perception of institutional confidence. However, as monetary policy again dominates market sentiment, those bullish headlines have failed to halt the decline.What’s Next for Bitcoin?Technical charts indicate that Bitcoin is now testing support around $99,044, with the next downside targets located near $97,839 and $94,049. A sustained break below those levels could invite further selling pressure.For now, traders are watching the Fed’s next meeting closely. Any sign of hesitation on rate cuts could prolong Bitcoin’s downward momentum and keep risk appetite subdued heading into year-end. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

CEOs of major Wall Street firms have warned that global equity markets could see a decline of more than 10% within the next one to two years. They described the potential correction as part of a normal market cycle rather than a sign of crisis.Join IG, CMC, and Robinhood at London’s leading trading industry event!A sharp equity market decline could influence retail traders’ behavior, with some likely to cut exposure or move to safer assets. Others may view the lower valuations as buying opportunities, potentially increasing short-term volatility and trading activity.Equity Correction Could Be Healthy DevelopmentAccording to a Bloomberg report, Capital Group CEO Mike Gitlin said at a financial summit organized by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority that valuations were becoming a concern despite solid corporate earnings. “Most people would say we’re somewhere between fair and full,” he noted, suggesting that few see markets as cheap. He added that credit spreads are also tight.Gitlin’s concerns were echoed by Morgan Stanley CEO Ted Pick and Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon. Both agreed that markets may face a significant pullback after years of gains. Pick said markets have advanced considerably but still face “policy error risk” in the US and geopolitical uncertainty. He added that a 10% to 15% correction would be “a healthy development” rather than a sign of weakness.Bloomberg says Wall Street CEOs are warning of a possible 10–15% equity correction in the next 12–24 months, saying valuations are “full, not cheap.”Capital Group CEO Mike Gitlin said corporate earnings remain strong but “what’s challenging are valuations,” noting the S&P 500… pic.twitter.com/PYGg23C0aZ— Wall St Engine (@wallstengine) November 4, 202510–15% Drawdowns Seen as NormalThe S&P 500 index currently trades at 23 times forward earnings, above its five-year average of 20 times. The Nasdaq 100 index is valued at 28 times earnings, compared with about 19 times in 2022. Futures on the Nasdaq fell nearly 1.8% on Tuesday, with Palantir Technologies dropping more than 7% in pre-market trading amid concerns over high valuations.Citadel CEO Ken Griffin described the current market as being “very deep into a bull market,” warning that investor sentiment can become most irrational at extreme highs and lows.Solomon said that while technology stocks appear expensive, other parts of the market remain fairly valued. He added that drawdowns of 10% to 15% often occur even in positive cycles, allowing investors to reassess portfolios. “It just means things run and then they pull back so people can reassess,” he said. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

The United States has tightened its grip on North Korea’s shadow financial networks, imposing new sanctions on bankers and institutions accused of channeling cryptocurrency stolen in cyberattacks into Pyongyang’s weapons programs.Digital assets meet tradfi in London at the fmls25Treasury Targets DPRK Crypto NetworkThe U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the designations on Tuesday, naming eight individuals and two entities involved in “laundering funds derived from cybercrime and IT worker fraud.” Officials stated that the targeted network laundered proceeds from ransomware and cryptocurrency thefts to finance the regime’s military operations. Among those sanctioned were two bankers accused of managing at least $5.3 million in cryptocurrency through OFAC-designated First Credit Bank.The funds were allegedly tied to a ransomware group that targeted U.S. victims and laundered earnings from North Korean IT workers operating abroad.The sanctioned entities, including Ryujong Credit Bank and Korea Mangyongdae Computer Technology Company (KMCTC), allegedly utilized shell companies and third-country intermediaries to conceal cryptocurrency transactions. Treasury officials stated that the network utilized Chinese and Russian proxies to transfer funds undetected.Alleged Nuclear Weapons Funding“North Korean state-sponsored hackers steal and launder money to fund the regime’s nuclear weapons program,” commented Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley. “By generating revenue for Pyongyang’s weapons development, these actors directly threaten U.S. and global security,” he said. “Treasury will continue to pursue the facilitators and enablers behind these schemes to cut off the DPRK’s illicit revenue streams.”KMCTC, based in Pyongyang, runs IT delegations in Shenyang and Dandong, China. According to the Treasury, its president and his team used Chinese nationals as banking proxies to disguise the origin of money earned by North Korean IT workers abroad.The sanctions freeze any U.S.-linked assets held by the designated individuals and entities and prohibit American persons from conducting transactions with them.You may also like: Currency.com Taps OpenPayd to Expand Multi-Currency Payments and FX LiquidityEarlier, the U.S. Department of Justice seized $7.7 million in cryptocurrency linked to North Korean IT workers accused of using stolen American identities to secure remote employment. According to the DOJ, the workers operated from countries including China, Russia, and Laos, concealing their true locations through VPNs and U.S.-based laptop farms. The complaint alleged that the North Korean nationals posed as remote IT contractors for U.S. and international companies, generating millions of dollars in illicit earnings.Additionally, the North Korean hackers have been accused of creating fake U.S.-registered companies to target crypto developers through fraudulent job offers, according to security firm Silent Push. Using LinkedIn-style profiles and fake interviews, the attackers tricked victims into downloading malware disguised as job-related files. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

The European Commission is considering expanding the powers of the European Securities and Markets Authority to oversee cryptocurrency and traditional capital markets. The plan could give ESMA direct supervision over exchanges and crypto service providers, creating a system similar to the US SEC. A draft is expected in December.Digital assets meet tradfi in London at the fmls25The expanded role of ESMA builds on guidelines issued in April 2025 for national regulators on detecting and preventing market abuse under MiCA. The rules emphasized risk-based supervision and cross-border coordination, providing a framework for more consistent oversight across EU member states.MiCA Passport System Faces Potential RisksCurrently, under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, companies licensed in one EU country can operate across all 27 member states through a “passport” system. Some experts warn that shifting decision-making entirely to ESMA could slow innovation in crypto and fintech. Faustine Fleuret of decentralized lending protocol Morpho said centralizing oversight “would demand vast human and financial resources” and suggested giving ESMA stronger oversight over national regulators instead.?? NEW: The European Commission is drafting a proposal to give ESMA SEC-like oversight over crypto and stock exchanges, with draft expected in December.Could this make the EU more crypto-friendly or stifle innovation? pic.twitter.com/JiYNBz3pXv— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) November 2, 2025France Challenges EU Crypto Passport RulesConcerns over enforcement gaps have surfaced. In September, France’s regulator signaled it might block the passporting of crypto licenses, raising doubts about uniform application across the EU. Fleuret said the passport system is “the cornerstone of EU financial regulations” and key to maintaining Europe’s competitive advantage for crypto firms.Lagarde Backs Single EU Supervisory BodyOther analysts view a larger role for ESMA as a potential step toward regulatory consistency. Dea Markova from digital asset custody platform Fireblocks said centralized supervision could help address licensing, cybersecurity, and operational risks, but its effectiveness depends on proper implementation and resourcing.European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has also expressed support for a single EU supervisory body, echoing proposals similar to the SEC model. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Decentralization is one of blockchain’s most fundamental principles and perhaps the most important distinction between it and traditional database systems. Through decentralization, blockchains distribute control and decision making across a network of participants, eliminating the need for a centralized authority. This is what makes blockchain so cost-efficient and secure. It prevents manipulation, promotes transparency and makes it censorship resistant. Given the importance of decentralization, the blockchain community has long debated the best way to go about measuring it, so they can determine which networks are more decentralized, but the industry has struggled to come up with any suitable metrics. Tezos co-founder Arthur Breitman became the latest voice to weigh in on this debate when he spoke to The Yellow Podcast. He argued that it’s not possible to gauge how decentralized a network is purely by counting the number of validators it has, as some have suggested.“Decentralization is a means to an end, and that end is trust minimization and censorship resistance,” he said. “ I think the most important thing you have to look at is how likely is it that the system is going to be censored. And I don’t think validator count is really such a good metric for that.” According to Breitman, the crypto industry can learn a lesson from traditional industries, where businesses and sometimes regulators perform competitive analyses to try to ascertain if an industry is monopolistic. In these analyses, the most important consideration is not so much if there is a dominant monopoly, but rather freedom of entry to the market. In other words, if the monopoly that dominates the industry misbehaves, is it possible for others to come in and participate and put an end to its dominance? It’s the same thing in blockchain, the Tezos founder argued. If someone notices that censorship is taking place, does that network have the mechanisms in place to take corrective action and put a stop to it? If so, then it can be considered sufficiently decentralized, he claimed. “In a decentralized network, if one validator decides that, okay I’m not going to finalize any block that doesn’t contain a certain type of transaction, it will leave a trace of this censorship,” Breitman explained. “If the blockchain is properly decentralized, you can monitor this and take corrective action when you see this happen.” Breitman called into question whether a project such as Stripe’s Tempo blockchain can be considered decentralized. He admitted he doesn’t know all of the technical details, but from what he understands it’s going to be “very corporate”, with multiple well known technology giants all participating as validators. “I’m sure they could engineer it in such a way that you’ll have 100 validators and they’ll each have only 1% of the validating power, and these kinds of metrics will make it look brilliantly decentralized,” he said. “But really, this is not what matters. Because everyone is just pretending that anyone who is a validator will not be colluding with anyone else. You can’t be sure of that.” More important, Breitman stressed, is whether or not the protocol is set up to prevent censorship from happening. In the example of Tezos, its biggest validator is Coinbase, which controls a significant degree of the network’s “baking power”. But according to Breitman, this is not a concern for the community, because there are mechanisms available to stop it. “If it does try to censor the network, it’s a simple fix at the protocol level. We’ll see it and we’ll be able to deal with it,” he stressed. Why Proof-of-Stake Enhances DecentralizationA big factor behind Tezos’ decentralization is its Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism, which the project actually pioneered back in 2018. Breitman said there’s a great deal of misunderstanding about how PoS’s security model actually works, and pointed out that it’s quite different from Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work. A lot of people believe PoW is extremely secure, Breitman said, because if someone gets control of 50% of the network’s mining power, they’ll still have to pay a considerable cost to pull off any attack. And as the attack proceeds, the value of the token will decline significantly, making the attack economically unsustainable. But Breitman says there are still risks with PoW because of the way blockchain has evolved. These days, more than one token lives on Bitcoin, for example. So if someone controls 50% or more of its hashing power, they can manipulate these other tokens, which can still be very valuable, forcing double spends for example. “These attacks are very different from what you might face in the PoS world,” Breitman explained. “Attacks on PoS networks are still possible, but they’re not really very practical. That’s because any attack will leave an indelible trace, and other network participants will be able to see what’s going on and cut it off. So you can stop the attacker completely, and the chain will carry on.” According to Breitman, this is where PoS blockchains have an advantage in terms of security. The disincentive is not so much the economic penalty the attacker might face as a result of being slashed – essentially, losing their staked capital – but more the fact they won’t be able to keep doing it again and again. “They might not mind owning 50% of the supply and getting slashed once,” he said. “But if you slash them again and again, it becomes exponentially more expensive for someone to keep attacking the network.” What’s more, such a mechanism doesn’t require more than a few validators to set up, Breitman pointed out. “Even if you have relatively few validators, the fact you can remove them almost permanently from the network – because they’ll be forced to reacquire the tokens they’ve lost – is extremely powerful,” he insisted. On the other hand, this doesn’t happen in Proof-of-Work networks, because there is no mechanism to strip someone of the hashing power they have acquired. “You can’t really get rid of an attacker in that way with Proof-of-Work,” Breitman stated. Keep The Entry Barrier LowStill, Breitman did agree that more validators will always be beneficial to Proof-of-Stake networks, and that is why Tezos has made it extremely accessible. He said the blockchain currently has between 200 and 300 validators, because both the financial and computing requirements are relatively light, and the rewards are generally a bit higher than most other networks. To become a Tezos “baker”, individuals must stake a minimum of 6,000 XTZ, which is currently worth around $3,100, but they must also run a node. But unlike networks such as Ethereum, which necessitate running a powerful server, it’s possible to run a Tezos node on something such as a cheap Raspberry Pi computer, which costs as little as $100, Breitman said. As for the rewards, these range from around 7% to 16% APY, depending on the network conditions. “With a Raspberry Pi you can connect to the Tezos network and you can use a ledger as well to secure your key,” he said. “This has always been a property of Tezos, whereas it will cost a lot more money if you want to be a validator on some of the larger networks, including some that have launched recently. But they don’t get much more performance out of this. So it’s a weird thing.” Breitman admitted Tezos still has a problem with the concentration of baking power, or hashing power, in the hands of large crypto exchanges. But this is something that can be solved over time. “I think we need to encourage people to get off the exchanges and use the blockchain more,” he said. “We must get people to rely more on self-custody. That’s the key to changing this.” Watch the rest of Breitbart’s interview here: This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Norway’s $2.1 trillion sovereign wealth fund said it will vote against Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s proposed compensation plan ahead of the company’s November 6 meeting. Join IG, CMC, and Robinhood at London’s leading trading industry event!The package could grant Musk shares worth up to $1 trillion over ten years, making it one of the largest in corporate history.Norges Bank Votes Against Tesla CompensationNorges Bank Investment Management, Tesla’s seventh-largest shareholder with a 1.12% stake worth about $17 billion, said it values Musk’s contribution but is concerned about “the total size of the award, dilution, and lack of mitigation of key person risk.”The fund will also vote against two Tesla board members – Kathleen Wilson-Thompson and Ira Ehrenpreis – and oppose the company’s general stock compensation plan.JUST IN: ?? Norwegian oil fund set to vote against Elon Musk's $1 trillion pay deal - Financial Times. pic.twitter.com/kSA5UjEE2F— Whale Insider (@WhaleInsider) November 4, 2025Major Investors Hesitate on Musk PackageTesla’s board has urged shareholders to back the deal, warning that Musk might leave if it is rejected. Critics, however, argue the plan remains excessive even after deducting the share costs, which bring the net potential value to about $878 billion.According to Reuters, major investors like BlackRock and Vanguard have not revealed their votes, while Baron Capital said it will support the plan. Musk’s earlier $56 billion package, approved in 2018, is still under legal review.Tesla is at a critical inflection point. We need your vote ahead of our 2025 Annual Meeting on November 6. Tesla shareholders, the owners of our company, will soon receive their control numbers and voting instructions from their brokers. This will enable you to vote.We are…— Tesla (@Tesla) September 18, 2025Shareholders to Decide Tesla’s FutureThe plan requires Musk to meet ambitious performance targets, including growing vehicle sales, producing autonomous robotaxis, and reaching an $8.5 trillion market value. Proxy advisory firms ISS and Glass Lewis recommend voting against it, citing its size and Musk’s influence over the board. Critics also point to broader challenges, including aging car models, Chinese competition, and expiring U.S. EV tax credits.If approved and fully achieved, Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire. The shareholder vote will determine both his future at Tesla and the company’s direction in AI, robotics, and electric vehicles. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Clearstream, part of Deutsche Börse Group, has launched a tokenized securities platform called D7 DLT. The platform uses distributed-ledger technology and complies with the central securities depository regulation. It complements Clearstream's existing D7 digital issuance platform, allowing clients to choose between digital and tokenized securities.Join buy side heads of FX in London at fmls25The launch follows Clearstream’s involvement in earlier DLT trials with the European Central Bank in 2024. During these trials, the firm executed live bond issuances entirely on distributed-ledger technology, testing the platform’s ability to handle multiple asset classes and central bank digital currency positions.D7 DLT Available to International Issuers for CPs and MTNsD7 DLT will first be available internationally to issuer clients of Clearstream Banking S.A. The initial expected issuances include commercial papers and medium-term notes, which benefit from faster issuance and intraday funding.Jens Hachmeister, Head of Issuer Services & New Digital Markets at Clearstream, said the platform "offers the flexibility to choose between digital and tokenized issuance" and addresses current client needs while supporting future developments in capital markets.Clearstream’s new tokenised securities platform released. D7 DLT is designed to facilitate the issuance and management of securities, based on distributed ledger technology https://t.co/7Ko1zm5L1q #fundadmin #Custody pic.twitter.com/DhwjnP80JU— Asset Servicing Times (@ASTimes_) November 4, 2025Google Cloud Provides Infrastructure SupportGoogle Cloud, a strategic partner of Deutsche Börse Group, provides the infrastructure and technical support for D7 DLT. Matt Renner, President, Global Revenue at Google Cloud, said the collaboration combines "secure and scalable infrastructure with Clearstream's expertise in distributed ledger technology" to support securities issuance and management.Clearstream highlighted that D7 DLT updates issuance and lifecycle management, provides transparent and secure records of ownership, and integrates with existing market infrastructure, including Deutsche Börse Group's 360X multi-lateral trading facility. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

ProxyCoupons, known for bringing the best deals on proxy and VPN services, has officially announced an expansion that will see the platform evolve into a comprehensive destination for everything related to technology. This development marks a significant step forward for the site, which now offers users a much wider selection of tech, coupons, deals, and offers to help them save money on software, hardware, digital tools, and more.The expansion means that ProxyCoupons is no longer limited to providing discounts on proxies and VPNs. Visitors will now find tech news, product comparisons, tutorials, and buying guides across various categories. From cybersecurity tools and cloud services to productivity software, PC components, and streaming technology, the new content gives readers the ability to make smarter decisions while enjoying exclusive discount codes and promotions.The move was inspired by the growing demand for trustworthy sources of savings and insights in an era of rapid digital transformation. ProxyCoupons has built a loyal following by curating reliable deals on privacy tools and networking services. As the team observed a need among its audience for broader coverage, expanding to encompass all facets of tech was the natural next step. Beyond simple coupon listings, ProxyCoupons has evolved into an information-rich resource for tech enthusiasts and general consumers alike. Each category is carefully designed to highlight trusted vendors, honest product insights, and exclusive codes. The website also features helpful blog posts and expert reviews that break down complex tech products into easy-to-understand comparisons. Its goal is to empower every visitor to make well-informed choices while enjoying substantial cost reductions.As a one-stop destination for tech, ProxyCoupons offers users a seamless experience combining verified coupon codes, curated deals, and in-depth guidance. Whether readers are upgrading their cybersecurity setup, optimizing their workflow, or exploring new devices, they can depend on ProxyCoupons to deliver genuine savings backed by up-to-date information.Visitors of ProxyCoupons can explore multiple categories that reflect the company’s expanded direction. These include VPNs, proxies, hosting services, and a wide range of new segments such as software tools, gadgets, and e-commerce platforms. The website is continuously updated to feature the latest and most relevant promotions, with user-friendly navigation that makes discovering new offers simple and efficient.Each listing on the site undergoes a quality check to ensure authenticity, making it easier for visitors to find working discounts and deals from verified vendors. This commitment to reliability has helped ProxyCoupons build a reputation as a trusted online resource for tech savings. By expanding its coverage, the platform now serves a global audience looking for both affordability and quality in the rapidly changing tech market.ProxyCoupons also publishes industry news, tips for optimizing digital tools, and insights into trending products that help users stay ahead of technological shifts. Whether it’s comparing leading VPN providers, exploring cloud service bundles, or identifying the best productivity software, the platform provides valuable information that blends savings with expert advice.More information about ProxyCoupons and its offers is available at https://proxy.coupons/.About ProxyCouponsProxyCoupons is a leading online platform offering verified coupons, promotions, and reviews for VPNs, proxies, and now a full range of tech products and services. The website empowers users to discover the best deals while providing educational content to make smarter purchasing decisions. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Institutional foreign exchange trading volumes climbed to their highest levels in three months during October, with major platforms recording double-digit percentage gains as currency markets navigated a Federal Reserve rate cut, a prolonged U.S. government shutdown, and elevated dollar volatility ahead of the presidential election.FX Trading Explodes as Fed Cuts and Dollar Swings WildlyCboe FX led the surge with total volumes reaching $1.19 trillion and average daily volume of $51.8 billion across 23 trading sessions, representing a 10.2% increase from September. The Chicago-based venue capitalized on heightened activity in major currency pairs as traders positioned for the Fed's October 29 decision to lower rates by 25 basis points to the 3.75-4.00% range.The U.S. Dollar Index fluctuated sharply throughout October, initially weakening as the government shutdown entered its fourth week and delayed critical economic data releases.The dollar later recovered to close near 99.00 as safe-haven demand emerged from political instability in France and Japan, while the Fed's more cautious tone on future cuts provided support despite the rate reduction.In the meantime, the Bank for International Settlements published its triennial survey, which showed that global FX volumes rose to record levels, reaching $9.6 trillion per day.Tokyo Platform Posts Strongest Growth Since SpringTokyo Financial Exchange's Click365 platform recorded its most robust performance in months, with volumes jumping 39.9% to 1.99 million contracts and average daily volume reaching 86,575 contracts. The sharp reversal marked a dramatic turnaround from the summer doldrums that had plagued Japanese institutional activity.USD/JPY volumes climbed 32.5% month-over-month to 605,222 contracts as the pair tested key technical levels around 150 yen per dollar. Japanese retail traders showed renewed appetite for carry trades, particularly in higher-yielding emerging market currencies that offered substantial premiums over near-zero Japanese rates.The year-over-year comparison showed continued improvement, with total volumes up 16.7% from October 2024 levels, suggesting Japanese institutional appetite may be stabilizing after months of weakness.European Venues Show Divergent PerformanceDeutsche Börse's 360T platform posted total volumes of $780.9 billion with average daily volume of $34.0 billion, representing roughly a 2% decline from September's activity. The German venue faced headwinds from narrowing interest rate differentials between the European Central Bank and Federal Reserve that reduced hedging opportunities.Euronext FX recorded volumes of $564.1 billion with average daily volume of $24.7 billion, up about 6% from the prior month as European institutional traders navigated political uncertainty in France following the country's sovereign credit downgrade by Standard & Poor's. The euro traded in a wide range against the dollar through October before settling around $1.1560.FXSpotstream continued its steady climb with total volumes reaching $129.6 billion and average daily volume hitting $85.9 billion, marking a 3.5% monthly increase. Spot volumes rose to $85.9 billion while other products reached $43.8 billion, reflecting continued institutional preference for direct currency exposure over derivatives as volatility picked up. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Remittances today are far more than financial transfers; they are lifelines that sustain families, fund education, and support small businesses across the world. For millions of expatriates living and working across the UK and Europe, every transaction represents love, responsibility, and connection. ACE Money Transfer today reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its European operations, reinforcing its mission to make global remittances faster, safer, and more human.This initiative reflects ACE’s commitment to combining innovation with empathy, turning remittances into the invisible bridges that create lasting opportunities for families worldwide.“When we send money, we don’t just send currency; we send love, education, and opportunity across borders,” says Rashid Ashraf, CEO of ACE Money Transfer. “With our growing European network, we’re strengthening this invisible bridge that keeps families united, even when separated by distance.”A Vital Role in the European EconomyThe UK and the European Union remain among the largest remittance-sending regions in the world, contributing an estimated USD 63 billion annually. Migrant workers across the region play a dual role in strengthening host economies while supporting their homelands through regular remittances that uplift millions of lives.Ashraf notes, “These workers are heroes of two nations. Their contribution fuels progress on both sides of the border.” He is actively focused on expanding ACE’s European presence and partnerships to further facilitate secure and affordable cross-border transfers.ACE Money Transfer: Trusted, Transparent, and GlobalHeadquartered in the UK and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ACE Money Transfer operates in 29 sending and over 100 receiving countries, providing fast, secure, and affordable cross-border transfers.Since 2002, ACE has served millions of customers across Europe, Australia, Canada, and the Gulf, using cutting edge digital platforms to simplify the remittance experience. The company’s AI-driven technology ensures compliance, security, and real time transparency.Innovation with a Human PurposeAshraf emphasizes that technology should empower people, not replace them. “By combining innovation with compassion and compliance, we’re building a bridge that connects people, nations, and generations.”Looking ahead, ACE aims to expand its global reach, strengthen partnerships, and launch community driven initiatives that turn remittances into long-term opportunities for growth. About ACE Money TransferACE Money Transfer https://acemoneytransfer.com/ is a global remittance provider regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Since 2002, it has grown into a trusted name for millions of customers worldwide, enabling people to send money securely, quickly, and at low cost to support their families and communities back home.The company operates under strong regulatory oversight, authorised as a Payment Institution by the FCA in the UK, licensed by the Central Bank of Ireland, regulated by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF), and registered with AUSTRAC in Australia. With operations spanning dozens of sending countries and over a hundred receiving destinations, ACE continues to expand its global reach while keeping customer convenience, transparency, and innovation at the heart of its services.By combining compliance with care, ACE is committed to strengthening connections across borders and empowering expatriates and migrant communities around the world. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

ATFX, a leading global online trading services provider, is pleased to announce the appointment of Line Ho Young Peteri as Vice President – Strategic Partnerships & Affiliates. Line will lead ATFX’s global affiliate and strategic partnership initiatives, driving growth and expanding the company’s commercial footprint.[#highlighted-links#]Line brings extensive experience in strategic marketing, affiliate management, and cross-channel business development. She most recently served as Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Affiliation at Exinity, where she drove global affiliate growth and forged high-value partnerships. Over her career, she has built scalable marketing and sales platforms, integrated cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain to enhance customer engagement, and executed strategic initiatives across fintech, gaming, and digital marketing.Commenting on her appointment, Line Peteri expressed:"Joining ATFX at this dynamic stage of its global expansion is an exciting opportunity. I look forward to drawing on my experience in strategic partnerships and digital marketing to unlock new opportunities, enhance customer acquisition, and strengthen ATFX’s presence across key international markets."Siju Daniel, Chief Commercial Officer of ATFX, added:"Line’s track record in building strong partnerships, driving performance marketing strategies, and leading cross-functional teams makes her a perfect fit for this role. Her strategic vision and leadership will be instrumental in advancing ATFX’s global growth objectives."With Peteri’s appointment, ATFX aims to further expand its affiliate network, optimize commercial partnerships, and continue delivering innovative trading solutions to clients worldwide.About ATFXATFX is a leading global fintech broker with a local presence in 24 locations and holds 9 licenses from regulatory authorities, including the UK's FCA, Australia's ASIC, Cyprus' CySEC, the UAE's SCA, Hong Kong's SFC, South Africa's FSCA, Mauritius' FSC, Seychelles' FSA, and Cambodia's SERC. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovative technology, and strict regulatory compliance, ATFX delivers exceptional trading experiences to clients worldwide.For further information on ATFX, please visit ATFX website https://www.atfx.com. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.

Ruben Abitbol, former Head of Trading and Risk at The5ers and most recently an executive at PropFirmMatch, has launched RUBIK, a consulting practice focused exclusively on risk management for proprietary trading firms.The timing reflects mounting pressure on the prop trading sector, where between 80 and 100 firms shut down in 2024 alone. Abitbol believes most failures stem from poor cashflow management rather than malicious intent, with founders underestimating the lag between revenue generation and payout obligations."The revenue generated today will impact your payouts months later," Abitbol explained in an interview with FinanceMagnates.com. "As long as the company grows, you don't feel it. But when growth stabilizes or drops, your payout obligations catch up, and suddenly, your margins vanish."Risk Management as a Service ModelRUBIK operates on a Risk Management as a Service (RMaaS) model, providing external expertise that most prop firms cannot afford to maintain in-house. The approach addresses what Abitbol describes as a critical gap in the industry, where very few firms have internalized risk management capabilities."Only the largest players do," Abitbol said. "Smaller firms often try to handle it internally as part of operations, but that's a critical mistake."Unlike traditional finance sectors where standardized practices exist, prop trading operates without unified benchmarks or tools. Abitbol's service model allows firms to access sophisticated risk infrastructure without building entire departments, similar to how other financial services have moved toward outsourced or co-sourced operational functions.Abitbol spent over five years developing risk methodologies at The5ers starting in 2021, when standardized practices didn't exist in the nascent prop trading space. Before that, he traded commodity options at Futures First, giving him a trader's perspective that he says differs from the brokerage-focused backgrounds common among prop firm executives."I was in a fortunate position at The5ers, where I led risk during the very early stages of the industry, meaning nothing existed yet, and I had to build everything from scratch: defining what to measure, which metrics to monitor, and how to interpret them," Abitbol said.Although the service has only just launched officially, Abitbol says he is already working with more than a dozen companies at various stages of development, though he is not disclosing their names.RUBIK’s Three-Stage Advisory ModelFor pre-launch companies, Abitbol helps build infrastructure from scratch, including partner selection, challenge model design, pricing structures, and rule frameworks that form what he calls "the foundation of proper risk management in prop trading."For small firms that have launched but lack data or experience, he implements processes to improve sustainability. For larger operators, he provides external risk audits with industry benchmarking, offering what he describes as "a fresh, data-driven perspective" against industry standards.The practice focuses primarily on program balance and trading activity risk through two layers: deep data analysis to build business intelligence infrastructure, and continuous trading flow management to flag high-risk or toxic behavior."My risk management approach for prop firms covers more than just trading and margins," Abitbol said. "It also addresses technology risk, payments risk like chargebacks, and PR risk from targeted attacks by groups."Margins Improve by Half After ImplementationAbitbol claims several clients have improved margins by over 50% after implementing his protocols. In one case, a small firm operating at a 50% payout ratio, which he describes as dangerously high for smaller operations, was brought down to a steady 25-30% after his intervention."They were growing, but with no margin buffer," Abitbol added. "After I implemented my methodology, we brought the ratio down to a steady 25–30% yearly, effectively saving them from collapse."Industry data shows average payout ratios hover around 50%, consuming a massive portion of total expenses. As competition intensifies and firms lower prices while relaxing rules to attract traders, margins are being squeezed further. Abitbol notes that traders are also becoming more sophisticated in exploiting system weaknesses."Less than 1% of traders can bankrupt a firm if not identified and handled correctly," he said. "Without advanced detection systems and consistent review, these flows can destroy the business from within."No Standard Risk Model ExistsUnlike the forex brokerage world, where regulations, established technologies, and decades of experience have created clear risk protocols, prop trading operates without standardized practices. Every firm defines risk differently, creating what Abitbol describes as both fascinating and chaotic conditions."In Forex, you have all the cards on the table," he said. "Prop trading, on the other hand, is a completely new environment. There's no standard, no unified benchmark, and every firm defines risk differently."Abitbol's longer-term goal involves helping establish industry-wide benchmarks and standards. He notes that some technology providers are attempting to build risk engines for prop firms, but none are currently effective because they simply can't apply brokerage systems to asymmetric prop firm risk structures.Early-Stage Mistakes Prove CostlyAccording to Abitbol, firms in growth mode often prioritize traffic generation over risk management, sometimes partnering with affiliates who bring in what he calls bad actors. Revenue initially grows, but months later margins collapse as the firm pays out twice what it earned to cover abuse-related damage."I call this the 'smoke revenue' effect: you end up paying twice what you earned to cover the damage caused by abusers," Abitbol said. "When these firms start implementing proper risk measures, their revenue often drops because those bad actors stop coming, but that's a necessary correction."For mature firms, mistakes tend to be analytical, with companies misinterpreting cause-and-effect relationships in their data or underutilizing information altogether. The cashflow lag issue hits hardest when growth plateaus. Abitbol says the average trader requests a first payout roughly 2.5 months after registration."The number one reason for failure is misunderstanding cashflow lag," he said. "I truly believe most of these founders had good intentions. They entered the industry thinking it was easy, that early growth meant long-term success, but they misread the economics."Regulation Could Strengthen SectorAbitbol favors tighter regulation, arguing it would strengthen the space by allowing only sustainable operators to remain, benefiting both traders and firms. "I'm in favor of regulation," Abitbol said. "It will strengthen the space and allow only solid, sustainable players to remain, benefiting both traders and firms."He acknowledges that prop trading operates closer to gamified trading than traditional market activity, since it functions in a closed environment with defined rules rather than direct market exposure. "But that's exactly why having a solid risk framework and potential regulatory oversight is so important,” he added.As regulatory pressure increases and consolidation continues, Abitbol expects Risk Management as a Service to shift from competitive advantage to survival necessity. He already uses standardized benchmarks to assess whether firms are operating sustainably or heading toward failure."In time, Risk Management as a Service won't just be an advantage, it will be a necessity for survival." This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

OnEquity, a top-tier multi-asset institutional and retail brokerage firm, is pleased to announce the recent win of the “Best Multi-Asset Institutional Broker - APAC” accolade at the UF AWARDS APAC 2025 ceremony. The event follows a succession of previous awards commencing in 2024 and continuing through 2025. Some of the most noteworthy titles include:“Best Broker in GCC 2025” (AtoZ Markets)“Fastest Growing Broker in Africa 2025” (Finance Magnates Awards)“Most Transparent Forex Broker 2024” (Forex Expo Dubai)“Most Innovative CFD Trading Platform 2024” (International Business Magazine)“Best Multi-Asset Broker 2024” (International Business Magazine)“Most Reliable Forex Broker 2024” (AtoZ Markets)Acquiring these prestigious industry distinctions in a relatively short period of time solidifies the broker’s position as an international leader and brings its brand into traders’ focus. One of the key drivers of OnEquity’s success is its strong commitment to ethics and integrity. OnEquity holds licences from multiple respected financial regulators, including the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius, the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the Seychelles and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa. Operating in accordance with the requirements of these authorities, the broker upholds the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Its client-centric approach is evident in every aspect of its offering. The broker charges zero spreads and offers commission-free trading, which makes it attractive to the broader audience as well as to institutional investors and traders.Additionally, its “No hidden fees” policy supports its competitiveness, reflecting the financial firm’s ability to ensure fair pricing. Beyond price transparency and low spreads, traders seek diversification. With deep liquidity pools, OnEquity is known to provide seamless access to a broad range of CFD instruments based on stocks, indices, precious metals, commodities, Forex pairs, and cryptocurrencies. The dynamic leverage, which flexibly adapts to volatility conditions, can reach up to 1:1000, allowing traders to seize opportunities confidently during volatile times. A viable value proposition for traders in APACYet modern traders in APAC look for more than an execution venue. They want to feel empowered, not just to react to sudden market swings but to anticipate upcoming corrections. This is where OnEquity truly makes a difference. By ensuring real-time execution and minimal slippage, the broker empowers traders not only to jump on opportunities but also gives them the distinct advantage of best bid and ask pricing. In addition, OnEquity’s “Tools” section, grouping comprehensive insights into technical analysis, financial news, market commentary, and weekly outlooks into a unified resource centre, gives traders the clarity they need to make better-informed decisions.Institutional traders seeking superior PAMM technology will find a match in OnEquity’s PAMM solutions designed for both investors and money managers. Comprehensive reporting, risk management, and responsive support are among the core infrastructural benefits that OnEquity delivers as a standard. Most importantly, all client funds are safely kept in segregated accounts maintained with top-tier banks around the world. This ensures OnEquity clients have seamless access to their capital as and when needed. The broker also places a great emphasis on technology enablement. With OnEquity, traders have a broad choice of execution venues. From the industry standard MT4 and MT5 terminals to the advanced Equinix. Directly connected to state-of-the-art data centres like London’s LD 4 and LD 7, OnEquity’s trading environment provides institutional-grade stability and security at scale. The highest recognition in APACAn offering this far-reaching could not go under the radar. Following a public voting procedure that called to the polls the entire FX and fintech industry, the UF AWARDS APAC 2025 conferred the “Best Multi-Asset Institutional Broker - APAC” honour upon OnEquity. The prestigious award marks an important milestone for the broker as it solidifies its position in Asia-Pacific. A huge nod to the broker’s commitment to innovation, this award shines a spotlight on the qualities of a true industry leader, a title that many FX business players can only aspire to. The official announcement was made on 27 October in front of a distinguished audience of FX and fintech industry decision-makers and trend-setting business players in Hong Kong. Following the recent award win, Antonis Ioannou, CMO at OnEquity, commented: “It’s an honor for OnEquity to be recognized as the Best Multi-Asset Institutional Broker in APAC. This award reflects the dedication and excellence of our entire team, whose commitment continues to drive our success. As we expand our presence and partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region, this recognition underscores our focus on delivering institutional-grade services and innovative solutions that meet the needs of a fast-growing trading community.”With a strong value proposition to retail and institutional traders, OnEquity claims its rightful spot among industry leaders not only in Asia, through this award win, but also globally. Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments involves substantial risk and may not be suitable for all investors. The value of investments is volatile and can result in total loss of capital. Investors should consider their financial situation, investment experience, and risk tolerance, and may seek professional advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article was written by FM Contributors at www.financemagnates.com.